In a controversial move that has sparked outrage among immigrant advocates, a source within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revealed that the Trump administration is directing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to track down unaccompanied minors who entered the United States illegally and were later placed with sponsors.
According to the source, ICE agents are being tasked with locating and deporting these minors, many of whom are Central American children fleeing violence and poverty in their home countries. The initiative is part of the administration’s broader crackdown on illegal immigration, which has included family separations at the border and increased enforcement actions nationwide.
Unaccompanied minors who cross the U.S.-Mexico border are typically placed in the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), a division of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Once placed with sponsors—often family members or close friends—these children are supposed to await immigration court proceedings. However, critics argue that the new directive undermines this process and puts vulnerable children at risk.
“This is a heartless and unnecessary escalation of the administration’s immigration policies,” said Maria Rodriguez, executive director of a leading immigrant rights organization. “These children have already endured unimaginable trauma. Hunting them down and deporting them is not only cruel but also counterproductive to any notion of justice or compassion.”
The Trump administration has defended its approach, arguing that it is necessary to enforce immigration laws and ensure that those who enter the country illegally are held accountable. In a statement, a DHS spokesperson said, “The rule of law is paramount. Individuals who violate our immigration laws, regardless of age, must face the consequences.”
However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and advocacy groups, who warn that it could deter sponsors from coming forward to care for unaccompanied minors. “If sponsors fear that taking in a child will lead to their own deportation or legal troubles, they may be less likely to step up,” said Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). “This policy doesn’t just target children—it destabilizes entire communities.”
The directive also raises questions about the resources being allocated to ICE for such operations. With the agency already facing scrutiny over its enforcement tactics, some argue that tracking down minors diverts attention from more pressing priorities, such as addressing violent crime or human trafficking.
As the debate over immigration policy continues to intensify, this latest development is likely to fuel further controversy. Advocates are calling on Congress to intervene and protect the rights of unaccompanied minors, while the administration remains steadfast in its commitment to stricter enforcement.
For now, the fate of thousands of children hangs in the balance, as ICE agents begin their search.
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